Reading Aloud to ChildrenSharing a beloved book with a child involves much more than reciting the author's words. The experience of reading a book together can create a bond between the readers and th

Reading Aloud to ChildrenSharing a beloved book with a child involves much more than reciting the author's words. The experience of reading a book together can create a bond between the readers and the book, and between the readers themselves. More than introducing new words, helping children develop a sense of story and motivating them to become avid readers, reading aloud is a unique way to foster a love of literature, as the interaction of readers and text literally make the book come alive.Reading aloud to children can be a delightful shared adventure. The books that you choose to share will have a great deal to do with whether the experience is meaningful for everyone involved.To prepare for this Discussion, review the following:"Reading Aloud," p. 379 in your course text"Hints on How to Read Aloud to a Group" or "Read-Aloud Do's and Don'ts""Considering Quality in Picturebooks" (Figure 4.1, p. 110)Then, based on what you have learned so far in this course, carefully choose two picture books from the booklist on pages 146-150 of your course text that you would like to read aloud to a child or a group of children. Make sure to choose books that you think are appropriate for the child's (or children's) age level(s) and interests, and that possess the characteristics of quality literature.After choosing the books, arrange to read one book aloud to a child or group of children. You may read to your own child, a friend's or neighbor's child, a grandchild, or any other child who is open to the experience. Consider recording the read-aloud and use the recording or notes taken immediately afterward to help you reflect on the following:Were you as prepared as you thought? Why or why not?How did the child/children relate to the book you chose?How did the child/children relate to you?How could you have improved the experience?What would you do differently next time with regard to book choice, preparation, the reading experience, and so on?What insights about reading aloud to children did you gain from this experience?By Day 3Post:The titles of the books that you chose and why you chose themWhat you were hoping that you and the child or children would gain from this experienceInsights about reading aloud to children that you gained from this experience